Wonder Breast Reduction: The Missing Link in Breast Enhancement

According to statistics by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), breast reduction was among the top ten most popular cosmetic surgical procedures performed in women last year. Dr. Wilberto Cortes, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Houston, Texas, says this trend is no different at his practice. Performing several breast reductions on a weekly basis, Dr. Cortes is often approached by prospective patients with questions such as:

-Am I a candidate for breast reduction?

-Do I need a lift with my breast reduction?

To be a candidate for breast reduction surgery, Dr. Cortes explains that patients should exhibit one or more physical and/or psychological issues associated with the size of their breasts. Some of these concerns include overly large breasts for one’s physique, persistent pain in the neck, back, and shoulders, deep bra strap grooves, skin irritation under the breasts, unwanted fullness in the armpit region, and habitually poor posture. He adds that many women who are eligible candidates for breast reduction are unable to take part in exercise and certain physical activities due to discomfort, have trouble finding properly fitting clothing, and feel self-conscious about attention drawn by the appearance of their breasts.

Once they become candidates, many patients wonder if a breast lift in combination with a reduction is advisable. Dr. Cortes’s answer to this question is simple: “Every breast reduction includes a lift! It is built-in and fundamental to the procedure.”

At his practice, Dr. Cortes utilizes a medial pedicle technique to transfer the nipple, along with a demoglandular inferior pedicle that transfers tissue from the bottom of the breasts. The inferior pedicle serves the purpose of providing fullness at the top of the breast. The breasts are then lifted on the chest wall for improved projection, and the tissue is carefully contoured tissue to achieve ideal volume and optimal symmetry. In addition to the enhanced shape and projection (similar to that of a small implant), Dr. Cortes notes that this technique decreases the chance of the breasts “bottoming out” in the future, which is a potential complication of more traditional breast reduction techniques.

Ultimately, Dr. Cortes encourages anyone interested in this popular breast enhancement option to become fully informed about all facets of the procedure before making such a life changing decision. “The wonder breast reduction  is more than a traditional breast reduction but a breast reconstruction,” he says.

For more frequently asked questions about breast reduction surgery, visit Dr. Cortes’s website here.